Intervening variable
Encyclopedia
An intervening variable is a hypothetical internal state that is used to explain relationships between observed variables, such as independent and dependent variables, in empirical research
.
in 1938.
For example, an independent variable
in a study on latent learning in rats is the number of practice trials received. Each rat receives an increasing number of trials, as one trial is given per day. The dependent variable is the number of wrong turns (errors) the rats make on a trial. As time, and number of practice trials, increases, the number of errors decreases. Theoretically, an internal state of “learning” intervened between the independent and dependent variables. It was this state that caused the errors to decrease, not the practice trials.
Other examples of intervening variables include: motivation, intelligence, intention, and expectation.
called “circular reasoning.” To avoid circular reasoning
, two or more operational definitions of the same internal state must be present, and they must be correlated.
Empirical research
Empirical research is a way of gaining knowledge by means of direct and indirect observation or experience. Empirical evidence can be analyzed quantitatively or qualitatively...
.
History
The term “intervening variable” was first used by behavioral psychologist Edward C. TolmanEdward C. Tolman
Edward Chace Tolman was an American psychologist. He was most famous for his studies on behavioral psychology....
in 1938.
Relation to operational definitions
An intervening variable facilitates a better understanding of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables when the variables appear to not have a definite connection. They are studied by means of operational definitions and have no existence apart.For example, an independent variable
Independent variable
The terms "dependent variable" and "independent variable" are used in similar but subtly different ways in mathematics and statistics as part of the standard terminology in those subjects...
in a study on latent learning in rats is the number of practice trials received. Each rat receives an increasing number of trials, as one trial is given per day. The dependent variable is the number of wrong turns (errors) the rats make on a trial. As time, and number of practice trials, increases, the number of errors decreases. Theoretically, an internal state of “learning” intervened between the independent and dependent variables. It was this state that caused the errors to decrease, not the practice trials.
Other examples of intervening variables include: motivation, intelligence, intention, and expectation.
Intervening variables and circular reasoning
As explanations of behavior, intervening variables can lead to an error in logicLogic
In philosophy, Logic is the formal systematic study of the principles of valid inference and correct reasoning. Logic is used in most intellectual activities, but is studied primarily in the disciplines of philosophy, mathematics, semantics, and computer science...
called “circular reasoning.” To avoid circular reasoning
Circular reasoning
Circular reasoning, or in other words, paradoxical thinking, is a type of formal logical fallacy in which the proposition to be proved is assumed implicitly or explicitly in one of the premises. For example:"Only an untrustworthy person would run for office...
, two or more operational definitions of the same internal state must be present, and they must be correlated.
External links
- Online text of "The Determiner of Behavior at a Choice Point"
- Kenneth MacCorquodale and Paul E. MeehlPaul E. MeehlPaul Everett Meehl was an American psychology professor.Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Meehl attended University of Minnesota, earning his bachelor's degree in 1941 and his doctorate in 1945...
(1948) ON A DISTINCTION BETWEEN HYPOTHETICAL CONSTRUCTS AND INTERVENING VARIABLES Classics in the History of Psychology, retr. 22 Aug 2011.